Highlights of Hong Kong and Japan

The neon-lit skyline of Hong Kong is a vista renowned the world over, but the peninsula is a strange juxtaposition of Asian and European culture, blended and yet distinct. Japan, on the other hand, displays a persisitent cultural identity defined through centuries, with cities that present a dynamic contrast of old and new traditions. Yet these two countries share a connection in their history, culture, and religion. With Highlights of Hong Kong and Japan tour, you’ll discover these enchanting Asian regions' similarity and uniqueness through sight, taste, and experience.

Your Eastern Asia journey will begin with 5 days in Hong Kong. Skip the line for the Peak Tram and take a private bus to Victoria Peak, which is the highest point in Hong Kong Island. The lofty vantage point overlooks spectacular view of a misty bay harbor bisecting a dense cityscape. Since 1997, Hong Kong has been undergoing continuous depelopment, however, the districts cherished by Hong Kong locals - their artsy neighborhoods, tranquil temples, and bayside fishing villages - are not likely to change. One of the latter is found in the Aberdeen area, where you will take a sampan boat to observe the simple lifestyle of this marine area dotted with houseboats. The extensive Buddhist complex of Chi Lin Nunnery also provides a very different face of Hong Kong than what you might expect. Set apart from the buzzing metropolis, the nunnery, with nearby Nan Lian Garden, will provide you with a contemplative spiritual retreat. And on nearby Lantau island, outside the village of Ngong Ping, you'll experience the serenity prevalent at Po Lin Temple and the Tan Tian Giant Buddha.

Across the bay is a former Portguese territory, Macau. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a special administrative region, allowing them to have own government. If you wish, take a speed-boat to Macau Ferry Pier to encounter another cultural fusion. Evidence of 440 years of Portuguese influence is noticeable throughout the town in such dignified monuments as the Ruins of St. Paul's, and walking over the colorful cobblestone streets of Senado Square will take you back to the 16th century as you stroll past elegant colonial facades. With inclusive local sights such as Macau Tower and A-Ma Temple, you will fully experience the old-fashioned and contempory in Macau, as well as contrast East and West.

As you travel from China to Japan, you will uncover the history and culture of feudal Japan infused into the cities of Nara and Kyoto, where elegant architecture and towering monuments, including the Great Buddha at historic Todaiji Temple, takes you back to an era of samurai and ninja. Spend the better two days in UNESCO-recognized Kyoto, where you'll enjoy every moment traversing the old city’s gardens, temples, shrines, castle, and specialty shops. On this itinerary, a tour through Arashiyama - with the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo groves, the picturesque Zen landscape at Tenryuji Temple - brings out beautiful scenes of old Kyoto. Japanese Green Tea is considered to be the best in the world. Experience a green tea ceremony and take a break as you have a truly memorable cup of matcha tea. Then you will find out more about Japan's choicest rice wine at the Sake Museum.

The route takes a detour for art lovers, with a trip to the I. M. Pei-designed Miho Museum. The renowned architect designed a stunning architecture that perfectly harmonizes the construction with surrounding landscape. Next, take the Shinkansen bullet train to feel the rush of Japan's top- notch technology. As you travel towards the east, witness the iconic Mount Fuji – the cultural centerpiece of much of Japan's artistic inspiration – and stay overnight at one of our favorite onsen (hot springs) hotels. In Tokyo, the fully- guided tour will immerse you in this sprawling metropolis with old and new, fashionable and funky. Expl